97 Chrysler T&C 3.8 - radiator cooling fan problem

I have replaced broken/burned radiator fan relay twice in three weeks.
Someone told me the fans might be the problem, being "grounded or shorted"
such that it is consuming too much electric power causing the relay to
burn-out. I was thinking if it so, should it not burn the fuse (instead
of the relay)? Any other thoughts, or has anybody experienced the same
problem, and how was it fixed? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

It could be what is known in electrical engineering as a "smart short" -
that is a partial short (or higher than normal load) that is high enough
resistance not to blow the circuit fuse, but low enough to cause damage
to certain components thru overheating over a period of time. A good
design would be such that such a condition could never happen, but
sometimes, that is impossible to meet for all possible situations
(primarily because there is no such thing as a perfect fuse) - IOW,
sometimes it is necessary for the designers to cross their fingers and
hope that all failures will be a hard short and blow the fuse.

Sorry I can't offer any practical advice, but thought I'd give you that
info.

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")

 

Thanks for the info, Bill.

 

The fan relay is a recall item on my '96 G. Caravan 3.8. Not sure on the
'97. The problem (resulting in the recall) was, I think, one of the screws
holding the relay onto the frame would break causing a loss of heat transfer
to the frame. The relay would heat up and burn out. With no fan, the
engine would heat up and have a chance of total failure.

 

You're very welcome. But I'd say that you need to thank David too as
his advice was more on the practical side of actually solving your
problem.

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")

 

Thanks for your input, David. (sorry, just got back from out of town trip,
so this late reply). The heat transfer through the screw makes sense. I
did notice that when I replaced the relay, there was only one screw
holding it. I was not sure though if it broke, or if only one was
installed to begin with. I looked and there was no trace of an old screw
previously being in there. Anyway, I added a second screw and also thought
of replacing the electrical terminal/connector to the relay as one contact
appeared corroded. It has been over a week since last relay replacement.
It appears to be holding well.. I am keeping my fingers crossed, hoping
the relay would last.
Thanks again.

 

I am having problems with my fans right now. I now the fans are okay becaus
I can wire them direct and make them run. I have been trying to locate the
relay but am having difficulities. Can you tell me where this relay is at.
My van is a 97 Plymouth Voyager, but should be the same i would think.

Thanks for your help.

 

Remove the "resonator" and the air filter housing. You'll see the fan relay
bolted to the frame. The "resonator" is the unit bolted to the crossmember
right over the radiator on the right side and has air ducting that leads to
the throttle body to the rear and air ducting down to the air filter box
below.